Exercising device

ABSTRACT

An exercising device (10) for building strength and flexibility of muscles and other tissues, comprising a substantially vertically arranged first stand (11) for abutment against a substantially plane and horizontal underlying surface and a second stand (12), arranged in parallel with the first stand (11), for abutment against a substantially plane and horizontal underlying surface, wherein the stands (11, 12) comprise an elongated element that can be gripped by a user, which elongated element is arranged substantially horizontally and is connected to at least one element projecting towards an underlying surface. A bow (17) that can be gripped is projecting upwards from the stands (11, 12). The bow (17) comprises a first portion (18) projecting substantially vertically from the first stand (11), a second portion (20) projecting substantially vertically from the second stand (12) and a connecting portion (19) connecting the first portion (18) and the second portion (20).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to International Application No.PCT/SE03/00585 filed 11 Apr. 2003, which in turn claims priority toSwedish Application No. 0201181.5 filed 19 Apr. 2002. The teachings ofthe International application and of the Swedish application are herebyincorporated into the present application by reference. The presentapplication claims priority to both the International application andthe Swedish application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercising device. More specificallythe present invention relates to an exercising device for physicalexercise, such as building strength and flexibility of muscles and othertissues. This type of exercising devices is commonly used for physicalexercise in a home environment as well as in work out centres and healthcentres.

PRIOR ART

A plurality of different types of devices for physical exercise existsin the prior art. One such type of devices for exercise comprises astructure for building muscles, which structure is connected to aresistance generating means through, for example, cords or similar. Suchresistance generating means generally comprises weights that can belifted through the cords, forming a resistance when a user activates thedevice by muscular power. A plurality of different embodiments of thistype of devices exists in the prior art, wherein different groups ofmuscles can be exercised.

One drawback with this type of prior art devices is that weights orsimilar resistance generating means are required to provide theresistance necessary for building muscles. This results in a heavy andcumbersome device having a plurality of moving parts, which leads to anincreased risk for injuries when exercising and a less cost-effectivestructure.

One problem with this type of devices is that a plurality of differentembodiments of such devices generally is required for exercisingdifferent groups of muscles. This also results in a less cost-effectivestructure that is unsuitable for use in, for example, a home environmentor a working place.

Further one problem with such prior art exercising devices is that theyoften result in a more heavy type of training due to heavy loads, whichcan result in an increased risk of injuries. This heavier type ofexercising devices is also less suitable for persons having a need for amore varied type of exercise.

Devices for exercising by means of a users own body weight to provide aresistance also exist in the prior art. One such type of device is thewell-known structure for exercising the lower back muscles, usuallycalled belly-back. A simple type of such a device generally comprisestwo stands arranged in parallel and projecting vertically from anunderlying surface. The stands comprise a horizontal bar connected to atleast one means projecting towards the underlying surface for supportingthe structure. The stands can be fastened in the underlying surfaceand/or be connected to each other by means of bars. One belt is arrangedbetween the stands for abutment against the front hip portion of a userand one belt is arranged between the stands for abutment against theback of the legs of the user, wherein the lower body portion of a usercan be fixed horizontally in the structure while the upper portion canbe brought from a vertical position to a horizontal position to activatethe lower back muscles.

One drawback with this type of prior art devices is the lack ofpossibilities to all-round and varied training. This results in astructure that is unsuitable for use in, for example, a home environmentor a working place.

One problem with this type of prior art devices is that persons havingreduced or low physical capabilities, such as older and younger personsand disabled persons, hardly can use the devices for building strengthand litheness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to negate above mentioneddisadvantages and problems of prior art. The exercising device accordingto the invention will allow gentle all-round training for persons havingdifferent physical capabilities, wherein a plurality of differentmovements adapted to individual needs can be performed. Further, thepresent invention removes the need for a plurality of different devicesto provide all-round training. The present invention also provides anexercising device having low weight and being well adapted for use in ahome environment as well as in working places, training centres andhealth centres.

One additional object of the present invention is to provide anexercising device well adapted for stretching exercises in addition tobuilding strength and flexibility. This will allow stretching of musclesand other tissues for health care purposes and/or for increasedwell-being.

The present invention comprises an exercising device having a firststand and a second stand arranged in parallel with the first stand. Thestands may be arranged substantially vertically and may comprise a gripportion in the form of an elongated element. The stands may be formed asa square, possibly with rounded corners. For example, the stands can beformed by a tube or similar, which tube is curved to a suitable shape.

The exercising device further comprises a bow that can be gripped andwhich is projecting upwards from the stands. The bow is connected to thestands so that a user by means thereof can perform different types oftraining exercises. The bow can be arranged in a suitable angle to anunderlying surface so that the bow is inclined towards the centre of theexercising device. The bow may be vertically displaceable, wherein theheight of the bow can be adapted to meet the needs of individual users.For example, the bow is arranged to be received in the stands, whichstands may comprise fastening means for detachable fixation of the bowat suitable height. For example the bow is also formed of a tube curvedinto a suitable shape.

The exercising device may also comprise a transverse bar arrangedhorizontally between lower portions of the stands to connect andstabilize the stands and simultaneously form a footrest. Further, thetransverse bar may be arranged a distance from the underlying surface,wherein a user can put his feet under the transverse bar for support.

A base plate may be arranged between the stands to further connect thestands to each other and thus stabilize the exercising device. Further,the base plate may provide an underlayer for a user when performingdifferent exercises at the exercising device. The base plate may beprovided with a soft carpet to facilitate when performing, for example,sit-ups.

The stands, the bow, the transverse bar and the base plate may be formedin a suitable material having high strength and low weight, such asaluminium or any other metal having corresponding properties.Alternatively, suitable plastic materials can be used.

The exercising device may further comprise a support arranged betweenthe stands for a user to utilize when performing different trainingexercises. The support may comprise a cushion arranged between twobelts, upon which a user can sit or in any other way use for support.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are evidentfrom the description of embodiment examples, enclosed drawings andindependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail by means of exemplaryembodiments and with reference to the accompanied drawings, of which

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view inclined from the front of anexercising device according to one embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view from the back of the exercisingdevice according to FIG. 1.

THE INVENTION

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 an exercising device 10 for all-roundbuilding of strength and flexibility of muscles and other tissues andfor stretching according to one embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. The exercising device 10 comprises a substantiallyvertically arranged first stand 11 for abutment against an underlyingsurface and a second stand 12 for abutment against the underlyingsurface, which second stand is arranged in parallel with the first stand11. In reference particularly to FIG. 1 the stands 11, 12 are arrangedwith a distance X from each other, forming a space for a user, wherein auser when exercising can be positioned between the stands 11, 12. Forexample, the distance X is designed so that a person tied to a wheelchair or similar can fit in the space between the stands 11, 12.According to one embodiment of the present invention the distance X isbetween 0.5 m and 1.2 m. For example, the distance X is about 0.6 to 0.9m. Alternatively, the distance X is about 0.7 m.

The stands 11, 12 comprise a substantially horizontally arrangedelongated element that can be gripped by a user and which is connectedto at least one element projecting towards the underlying surface. Forexample, the stands 11, 12 comprise a first elongated element 13 thatcan be gripped by a user and which is arranged substantiallyhorizontally, a second elongated element 14 projecting vertically fromthe first elongated element 13 and a third elongated element 15projecting vertically from the first elongated element 13. According tothe embodiments shown, the second elongated element 14 and the thirdelongated element 15 are further connected to a substantially horizontalfourth elongated element 16 for abutment against an underlying surface,wherein a set of the elongated elements 13–16 form one stand 11, 12.Thus, the second elongated element 14 and the third elongated element 15support the first elongated element 13. The elongated elements 13–16are, for example, connected to each other by their ends. For example,the stands 11, 12 are designed with a height of about 1 m, wherein thedistance between the first elongated element 13 and the fourth elongatedelement 16, or an underlying surface, is about 1 m. According to oneembodiment of the invention the height of the stands 11, 12 is about 0.9m. For example, the fourth elongated element 16 is designed with alength of about 1.2 m, wherein a length of the exercising device 10 isabout 1.2 m.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 1 the second elongated element 14and the third elongated element 15 are inclined towards each other,wherein the third elongated element 15 is arranged in an angle a towardsa horizontal plane, which plane is not illustrated in the figures, orthe horizontal fourth elongated element 16. Thus, the first elongatedelement 13 is designed with a length shorter than the fourth elongatedelement 16, wherein the stands 11, 12 generally is formed as atrapezium. For example, the angle a is between 50° and 85° and suitablybetween 60° and 80°. Alternatively, the angle a is between 65° and 75°.According to one embodiment of the invention the angle a is about 70°.

According to one embodiment of the present invention the stands 11, 12,or the elongated elements 13–16, are formed in a material having highstrength and low weight, such as metal, plastic material or any othersuitable material. For example, the stands 11, 12, or the elongatedelements 13–16, are formed in aluminium. For example, the stands 11, 12,or the elongated elements 13–16, are formed in tubes or similar, whichtubes are curved into a suitable shape. Thus, according to oneembodiment of the invention, the elongated elements 13–16 are differentparts of a single tube.

The exercising device 10 further comprises a bow 17 that can be grippedby a user. The bow 17 projects substantially vertically from the stands11, 12, wherein the bow 17 projects in a direction upwards from thestands 11, 12. The bow 17 is arranged in an angle towards a horizontalplane so that the bow 17 is inclined in a direction towards a centre ofthe exercising device 10. The bow 17 is displaceably and/or removablyconnected to the stands 11, 12 so that a height Y, see FIG. 1, of thebow 17 can be adapted to an individual person or user. Thus, the stands11, 12 are displaceably and/or removably connected to the bow 17. Forexample, the bow 17 is displaceable so that the height Y between thehorizontal portion 19 and the underlying surface can be adjusted betweenabout 1 m and 2.5 m. Alternatively, the bow is displaceable to a heightof about 2 m.

In reference to FIG. 1 the bow 17 comprises a first portion 18projecting substantially vertically, a horizontal portion 19 and asecond portion 20 projecting substantially vertically, wherein the bow17 is displaceably connected to the stands 11, 12 through the firstportion 18 and the second portion 20 of the bow 17. The first portion 18of the bow 17 is connected to the third elongated element 15 of thefirst stand 11 and the second portion 20 of the bow 17 is connected tothe third elongated element 15 of the second stand 12, wherein the bow17 is an extension of the third elongated element 15 of the stands 11,12. Thus, the bow 17 projects upwards in the same angle a as the thirdelongated element 15 of the stands 11, 12.

For example, the bow 17 is formed in a material having high strength andlow weight, such as metal, plastic materials or any other suitablematerial. For example, the bow 17 is formed in aluminium. For example,the bow 17 is formed by a tube or similar, which tube is curved to asuitable shape. Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, thefirst portion 18, horizontal portion 19 and second portion 20 of the bow17 is different parts of a single tube.

According to one embodiment of the invention the first portion 18 andthe second portion 20 of the bow 17 are designed to be introduced intothe third elongated element 15 of the first stand 11 and the thirdelongated element 15 of the second stand 12, respectively. For example,the first portion 18 and the second portion 20 of the bow 17 aredesigned with a smaller diameter than the third elongated element 15 ofthe stands 11, 12, wherein the bow 17 is vertically adjustable. In theembodiment shown, the bow 17 is connectable to the stands 11, 12 bymeans of conventional fastening means 21 so that the bow 17 can befastened at suitable height. In the embodiment shown the third elongatedelement 15 of the stands 11, 12 comprises an upwards projecting portion22 provided with the fastening means 21.

The exercising device 10 further comprises a transverse bar 23 arrangedbetween the stand 11, 12. The bar 23 is arranged substantiallyhorizontally between a lower portion of the first stand 11 and a lowerportion of the second stand 12. Suitably, the bar 23 is arrangedhorizontally between a lower portion of the third elongated element 15of the first stand 11 and a lower portion of the third elongated element15 of the second stand 12, forming a space between the transverse bar 23and the underlying surface, wherein a user can put his feet under thetransverse bar 23. For example, the transverse bar 23 is connected tothe first stand 11 and the second stand 12 in a conventional manner,such as by means of a welded joint, screws or similar. For example, thetransverse bar 23 is also formed of a tube in a material having highstrength and low weight, such as metal, plastic materials or any othersuitable material. For example the transverse bar 23 is formed inaluminium.

According to the embodiment shown the exercising device 10 comprises asubstantially plane and horizontally arranged base plate 24. The baseplate 24 is designed to form a suitable underlayer for a user performingdifferent types of training exercises at the exercising device 10. Forexample, the base plate 10 is designed so that a user tied to a wheelchair can roll up on it. The base plate 24 is arranged between the lowerportions of the stands 11, 12, wherein the base plate 24 extends fromthe first stand 11 to the second stand 12. Thus, a width of the baseplate 24 generally corresponds to the distance between the stands 11,12, or the distance X in FIG. 1. Further, the base plate 24 extendsalong the length of the stands 11, 12. The base plate 24 is arrangedbetween the fourth elongated element 16 of the stands 11, 12, whereinthe base plate 24 extends from the fourth elongated element 16 of thefirst stand 11 to the fourth elongated element 16 of the second stand12. For example, the base plate abuts against the fourth elongatedelement 16 of the stands 11, 12 and is arranged in the longitudinaldirection of the fourth elongated element 16 of the stands 11, 12. Thebase plate 24 generally extends from one end to the opposite end of thefourth elongated element 16 of the stands 11, 12. The base plate 24 isfastened to the stands 11, 12 by conventional means, such as by means ofscrews or similar. For example the fourth elongated element 16 of thestands 11, 12 comprises horizontally projecting plates having aperturesfor screws, not illustrated in the figures, wherein the base plate 24can abut against the horizontally projecting plates and be fastenedthereto by means of screws.

According to one embodiment of the invention the base plate 24 isprovided with a carpet to obtain a soft underlayer for a user. Thus, thebase plate 24 is designed to stabilize the structure and form anunderlayer for a user. For example the base plate 24 comprises twoaluminium sheets and a cellular structure arranged between them, whereina stable base plate 24 having low weight is provided. Further, thecarpet is, for example, fastened to the base plate 24 by means of Velcroor similar conventional means. For example, the carpet is formed in afabric material.

In reference particularly to FIG. 2 the exercising device 10 furthercomprises a removable and displaceable support 25 arranged between thefirst stand 11 and the second stand 12, upon which support 25 a user cansit or, with any body part, lean when necessary. If required the support25 can be removed to provide space between the stands 11, 12 whenperforming other training exercises. The support 25 is displaceablyarranged between upper portions of the stands 11, 12. The support 25 isdisplaceably arranged between the first elongated element 13 of thestands 11, 12, wherein the support 25 is displaceable in a horizontaldirection. For example, the support 25 comprises a cushion 26 forabutment against a user when desired. The cushion 26 is removably andadjustably connected to a first belt 27 and a second belt 28 in aconventional manner, wherein the cushion 26 is vertically adjustable bytightening or loosening the belts 27, 28. The cushion 26 is connected tothe first stand 11 by means of the first belt 27 and to the second stand12 by means of the second belt 28.

In reference to FIG. 1 the exercising device 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention comprises blocks 29 arranged at theends of the fourth elongated element 16 of the stands 11, 12 tostabilize the exercising device 10 on an underlying surface and avoiddisplacement of the exercising device 10. Thus, the blocks 29 are alsoformed as anti-skid devices.

The exercising device 10 according to the invention thus results in thata user can perform a plurality of different training exercises, such asbuilding strength and flexibility of different groups of muscles, bymeans of the own body weight and different types of stretchingexercises. For example a user can grip the horizontal portion 19 of thebow 17 and pull himself upwards to perform pull-ups to activate musclesin the upper part of the back and in the arms (biceps). Due to that thebow 17 is inclined a user can perform rowing exercises by gripping thefirst portion 18 and the second portion 20 of the bow 17 to activate,for example, muscles in the upper part of the back, shoulders and arms(biceps). The load can be varied by the aid of the legs of the user.

Correspondingly, due to that the bow 17 is inclined a user can performpush-ups on the opposite side of the bow 17, wherein muscles in thechest, front shoulder portions and upper arms (triceps) can beactivated. Further, by gripping the horizontal portion 19 of the bow 17and bringing the lower part of the body from a vertical position to ahorizontal position a user can activate lower abdominal muscles.

Further, the bow 17 is well suited for different types of stretchingexercises, such as of the chest and arms by gripping the first portion18 or the second portion 20 of the bow 17 and turn the body in adirection from the exercising device 10. By gripping the bow 17 andbringing the body downwards or backwards inter alia the upper and lowerparts of the back can be stretched.

The exercising device 10 also results in good possibilities for trainingupper abdominal muscles due to that sit-ups advantageously can beperformed on the base plate 24. Sit-ups are further facilitated by thetransverse bar 23, under which a user can place his feet. Easier sit-upscan also be performed when a user is sitting on the support 25 and hasthe feet positioned under the transverse bar 23. Further, exercisinglower back muscles, or the lumbar region, can be performed when a userplaces his front hip portion against the support 25 and his heels orsimilar against the transverse bar 23 and then brings the upper part ofthe body from a substantially vertical position, or a position when theupper part of the body is placed in an angle towards the lower part ofthe body, to a horizontal position, or a position when the upper part ofthe body is aligned with the lower part of the body.

Further, the upper arms (triceps) can be activated by gripping the firstelongated elements 13 of the stands 11, 12 from above and bring theupper arms from a vertical position to a horizontal position and backagain. The load can be varied by the aid of the legs. Correspondingly,leg muscles can be activated in a gentle manner by bringing the thighsfrom a vertical position to a horizontal position, wherein the arms canbe used for support.

For example, the backside of the legs, the groins and the hip portioncan be stretched in conventional manners by placing a foot on thesupport 25 while the other leg is used for support and consequently isplaced on the underlying surface. For example, the front side of thethighs can be stretched when a user places his ankle against the support25 while the other leg is used for support and consequently is placed onthe underlying surface, wherein the upper portion of the users body ispushed towards the heel of the foot lying against the support 25.

Thus, the exercising device 10 can be used for training exercises andstretching exercises for a plurality of different body parts in aplurality of different manners, wherein the above-mentioned examplesonly are some of the exercises possible by means of the invention.

1. An exercising device for building strength and flexibility of musclesand other tissues, comprising a substantially vertically arranged firststand for abutment against a substantially plane and horizontalunderlying surface and a second stand arranged in parallel with thefirst stand for abutment against said underlying surface, said first andsecond stands comprising an elongated element that can be gripped by auser, which elongated element is arranged substantially horizontally andis connected to at least one element projecting towards said underlyingsurface, and a bow that can be gripped, said bow projecting upwards fromthe stands, and comprising a first portion projecting substantiallyvertically from the first stand, a second portion projectingsubstantially vertically from the second stand and a connecting portionconnecting the first portion and the second portion, wherein the bow isarranged in an angle so that the bow is inclined towards a centre of theexercising device, and wherein the bow is connected to the stands and isdisplaceable so that a height of the bow is adjustable.
 2. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the stands are formed of a tube that isarranged in a suitable shape, and wherein the bow is displaceable intothe stands.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the stands areformed as a trapezium.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein thestands comprise a first elongated element that can be gripped and whichis arranged substantially horizontally, a second elongated elementprojecting vertically from the first elongated element and a thirdelongated element projecting vertically from the first elongatedelement.
 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the stands comprise ahorizontal fourth elongated element, connected to the second elongatedelement and the third elongated element, for abutment against anunderlying surface.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein theexercising device comprises a base plate that is arranged between thestands and forms an underlying surface for a user.
 7. A device accordingto claim 6, wherein the stands are connected to each other through thebase plate to stabilize the exercising device.
 8. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the exercising device comprises a removable supportarranged between the stands.
 9. A device according to claim 8, whereinthe support comprises a cushion, which is removably and adjustablyconnected to the stands through belts.
 10. A device according to claim1, wherein the exercising device comprises a transverse bar arrangedbetween the stands, forming a footrest.
 11. An exercising device forbuilding strength and flexibility of muscles and other tissues,comprising a substantially vertically arranged first stand for abutmentagainst a substantially plane and horizontal underlying surface and asecond stand arranged in parallel with the first stand for abutmentagainst said underlying surface, said first and second stands beingformed as a trapezium and comprising an elongated element that can begripped by a user, which elongated element is arranged substantiallyhorizontally and is connected to at least one element projecting towardssaid underlying surface, and a bow that can be gripped, said bowprojecting upwards from the stands, and comprising a first portionprojecting substantially vertically from the first stand, a secondportion projecting substantially vertically from the second stand and aconnecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion,wherein the bow is arranged in an angle so that the bow is inclinedtowards a centre of the exercising device.
 12. A device according toclaim 11, wherein the stands are formed of a tube that is arranged in asuitable shape, and wherein the bow is displaceable into the stands. 13.A device according to claim 11, wherein the exercising device comprisesa base plate that is arranged between the stands and forms an underlyingsurface for a user.
 14. A device according to claim 13, wherein thestands are connected to each other through the base plate to stabilizethe exercising device.
 15. A device according to claim 11, wherein theexercising device comprises a removable support arranged between thestands.
 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the supportcomprises a cushion, which is removably and adjustably connected to thestands through belts.
 17. A device according to claim 11, wherein theexercising device comprises a transverse bar arranged between thestands, forming a footrest.
 18. An exercising device for buildingstrength and flexibility of muscles and other tissues, comprising asubstantially vertically arranged first stand for abutment against asubstantially plane and horizontal underlying surface and a second standarranged in parallel with the first stand for abutment against saidunderlying surface, said first and second stands comprising an elongatedelement that can be gripped by a user, which elongated element isarranged substantially horizontally and is connected to at least oneelement projecting towards said underlying surface, and a bow that canbe gripped, said bow projecting upwards from the stands, and comprisinga first portion projecting substantially vertically from the firststand, a second portion projecting substantially vertically from thesecond stand and a connecting portion connecting the first portion andthe second portion, wherein the bow is arranged in an angle so that thebow is inclined towards a centre of the exercising device, wherein theexercising device comprises a removable support arranged between thestands.